Estero woman charged with huffing while driving

A woman huffing chemicals is accused of causing a crash in Lee County.

Deputies said she was inhaling from air dusters behind the wheel.

Experts say it's becoming more popular with adults — inhaling chemicals found in household items to get high.

Investigators say Michele Moreno, 45, of Estero, did just that Sunday while driving and now she's behind bars.

"I thought I've seen it all, but I guess... I guess I haven't," said Mary Olcikas.

Olcikas lives on Fountain Lakes Boulevard in Estero where deputies said Moreno went on her dangerous drive Saturday, driving off the road, running over a large bush and eventually hitting another vehicle.

No one was seriously hurt, but residents said the incident could have turned deadly on the busy road.

"It's tricky as it is, under the influence, that's the next show," said Frank Olcikas.

Investigators said they found three bottles of air dusters inside Moreno's car. They said she was "huffing," spraying the bottles into her nose to inhale the chemicals to get high.

"I have never heard anything like that in my life. Oh my God," said Mary Olcikas.

Southwest Florida substance abuse providers said they've seen cases of people inhaling household chemicals. While reports of teenage usage have gone down, it's spiked for adults over 26. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health said reported usage had gone from 11,000 in 2002 to 84,000 in 2014.

"What people think of, what they do, how to use it, it's surprising," said Frank Olcikas.

Experts said that using computer dusters or canned whipped cream cans are also being used. They say it could cause hallucinations, blackouts, even death.

"It's terrible; it breaks my heart," said Mary Olcikas. "I can't even think that people would do this."

Deputies said Moreno tested positive for being under the influence of inhalants. She remains in the Lee County Jail and is charged with several counts of DUI that include causing property damage.